The Short Version: During your next trip to San Francisco, or if you already live there, you can experience the wine country in Napa and Sonoma with ease and expertise through Extranomical Tours®. The company’s Wine Lover’s Tour has a luxurious feel without the exorbitant price tag. Extranomical Tours delivers roomy and elegant transportation, entertaining expedition leaders, and a curated experience that can help you and your special someone grow closer. Whether it’s a one- or two-day tour, you’ll enjoy the unique topography of Northern California and the special care you’ll receive.

When you think of romance and California, no doubt the gorgeous vineyards of Napa and Sonoma valleys come to mind. Not to mention wine tends to evoke a sense of passion. From the eroticism of ancient Greek gods to a dinner picnic in the park under the stars, wine has always been synonymous with romance.

With its rolling hills and vineyards set against a stunning mountainous backdrop, California’s wine country offers couples a taste of intimacy. However, planning a trip to Napa or Sonoma can be stressful.

There are so many wineries and wine tastings that it can be overwhelming to research destinations — much less book and pay a driver for the day. Plus, embarking on wine tours in large groups can feel uninspired, generic, and disappointing.

For a true, personalized wine country experience, a good option is a smaller, intimate tour that allows you special access and and has a posh vibe — at a cost that won’t squeeze your wallet too thin. Extranomical Tours specializes in these high-touch, elegantly crafted experiences that hit all the right notes.

Tours for People Who Don’t Do Tours

Not everyone likes to take highly popular tours when they visit a new place. You know the kind; where you run from one attraction to the next with nary a moment to breathe — much less have a meaningful experience.

The team at Extranomical Tours knows this experience well and specializes in creating excursions for people who generally don’t like to take tours. It keeps groups small, so guests receive the personal attention and exclusive experiences that people in larger groups don’t.

Unlike many tours of the Napa and Sonoma areas, Extranomical Tours are intimate and inexpensive.

The smaller tours also have a more intimate, friendly feel. Guests interact and get to know each other, so everyone enjoys the experience that much more.

“We try to connect people with their travel companions and the people on tour with them. We believe people are on vacation to make stronger connections with others, so that’s what we try to deliver,” said Gary Lillian, Extranomical Tours President and CEO.

Extranomical Tours also carefully curates tours to help guests maximize their time and see the best locations in a no-stress, high-fun, easygoing atmosphere. In addition, guests get a nice mix of group time and independent time, so they can create their own experiences based on activities they love — like hiking, shopping, or just taking in the beauty.

Drink in the Romance on a Wine Lover’s Tour

Couples looking to ignite the passion in their relationships can embark on the Wine Lover’s Tour, a small group outing that’s more intimate than others they may have experienced. This tour pampers couples with VIP treatment, plenty of room, and a great sound system. Perfect for wine connoisseurs and neophytes alike, all that’s required is an eager palate.

Guests visit Napa Valley, Sonoma Valley, or both — depending on the time of year and the featured wineries. Your wine range will be expanded by visiting not only grand wineries but also smaller, boutique wineries, many of which are off the beaten path away from the larger tours. Your guide will customize the trip for you — selecting the best sites on the day of your trip.

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Tours include far more than just tasting, as guests learn about the winemaking process firsthand. While visiting the first two wineries of your excursion, you’ll have the opportunity to tour a wine cellar, cave, or barrel room — and even get a chance for a barrel tasting. Then, enjoy a picnic lunch at a winery before you move on to two more wineries in the afternoon.

“Most of the experiences are more than just wine tasting. It is learning about wine and having conversations with winemakers. It’s about learning the stories of the wine,” Gary said. “So it’s a more immersive Napa and Sonoma Valley experience than the typical wine tour. People will come away having learned something and having a shared experience about wine.”

Wine Plus: Tours That Pair Wine With Fun Activities

Extend the romance with one of Extranomical Tours’ outings that pair wine with other passions — such as food, nature, or San Francisco attractions. For two days of fun, book the Wine Lover’s Tour With Escape From the Rock. On the first day, you’ll revel in the Wine Lover’s Tour, then stay overnight at a gorgeous boutique hotel in San Francisco.

The next morning, you’ll embark on the Escape from the Rock Cruise and take in famous sites such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Treasure Island, Sausalito, and get a 360-degree view of Alcatraz Island. You’ll learn about the history of the island without leaving the comfort of the boat.

If you and your partner are into the outdoors, consider the Redwood and Wine Country Escape. Start the day exploring the Coastal Redwoods well before the tourist crowds take over. Watch as the fog lifts above the historic trees as you enjoy an hour of hitting the trails before the public arrives.

In addition to Napa and Sonoma, couples can explore San Francisco through Extranomical Tours.

After visiting the redwoods, the guides make the Napa Valley and Sonoma Valley portion of the tour a real once-in-a-lifetime experience. Three wineries offer guests different experiences, from opulent to boutique. You’ll learn the stories behind the wineries and taste special selections from the winemakers themselves.

Then enjoy a private food and wine pairing at a renowned Sonoma Valley restaurant with classic cuisine and perfectly paired local wines. On the way back to San Francisco, cuddle up with your sweetie and enjoy a trip to a scenic lookout point with breathtaking views.

Extranomical Tours Offers a Unique Look at San Francisco

Extranomical Tours provides a diverse range of tours for exploring San Francisco and the surrounding areas — from wine tours to bike trips to Yosemite and more. The company is always adding new tours to look out for.

“We’ll be launching new, more immersive specialty tours. These are tours of Lighthouses of the Bay Area or the Missions of Northern California,” Gary said. “They’ll be far more experiential and not just see places but get under the skin of the culture.”

President and CEO Gary Lillian said the company is always launching new tours.

With more than 80 pages of reviews from happy, passionate customers, Extranomical Tours definitely brings its mission to life.

One grateful guest, Gabriana, loved the Redwoods and Wine Lover’s Tour, saying, “I’m a person who thoroughly does research before I go on a trip, and let me tell you that the Redwoods, Sonoma, and Napa Valley tour is honestly the best bang for your buck! I looked at over 50 tours, and this was the best priced. As for the actual tour… it was AMAZING and an unforgettable experience.”

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Jessica Lollino

As an English Professor obsessed with literary relationships, Jessica Lollino brings her expertise to DatingAdvice.com as a contributing author. Since she was a child, Jessica’s been interested in what makes love and relationships tick. As part of the DatingAdvice team, she employs her love of research, tongue-in-cheek wit, and horrifically funny dating experiences in each article she writes.

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